Bulimia Psychologist Bondi Junction & Sydney CBD

Compassionate Care for Bulimia Recovery with The Self Space

Struggling with bulimia can feel isolating and overwhelming. Whether you’re trapped in cycles of bingeing and purging or struggling with negative body image, recovery is possible. As a psychologist with years of experience in eating disorders, I’m here to help you understand the underlying causes of your bulimia, heal both physically and emotionally, and reclaim a healthier relationship with food and your body. You don’t have to face this alone—together, we’ll work toward building a life of balance, self-compassion, and lasting recovery.

How Therapy Can Help You Overcome Bulimia

Bulimia is a complex condition that often involves emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. Recovery requires more than just ending the behaviors—it involves addressing the root causes of these patterns, learning to manage emotions, and developing healthier coping strategies. Therapy provides a safe space for you to explore these issues and create lasting change.

Take the first step. Contact me today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how I can support you on your journey to wellness.

My Approach - Bulimia Treatment

I use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to your unique needs. Each approach is designed to address both the physical and psychological aspects of bulimia.

CBT-E (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders) is one of the most effective treatments for bulimia. It helps you identify and challenge distorted thoughts related to food, weight, and body image, and replace them with healthier, more realistic beliefs. It also addresses the binge-purge cycle and helps you develop better coping strategies.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) DBT is especially helpful for managing intense emotions and impulsive behaviors that can lead to bingeing or purging. It teaches you skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindful awareness, which are essential for maintaining long-term recovery.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) IPT helps you improve your relationships and resolve interpersonal issues that may contribute to the development or continuation of bulimia. By improving your communication and relational patterns, you can build a more supportive environment that fosters recovery.

Family-Based Therapy (FBT) For younger clients or those with supportive families, FBT can be a crucial part of recovery. Involving family members in therapy helps to create a healing environment at home, where everyone is on the same page in supporting the individual’s recovery journey.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Mindfulness practices can help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. By learning to sit with discomfort without reacting to it, you can reduce the urge to binge or purge as a way of coping.

Therapy for Bulimia will Help You:

  • Identify and Address Underlying Emotional Triggers - Bulimia is often tied to deeper emotional issues, such as stress, trauma, anxiety, or low self-esteem. We’ll explore these factors to help you understand why the eating behaviors developed and how to overcome them.

  • Break the Cycle of Bingeing and Purging - Therapy helps you gain control over disordered eating behaviors by teaching healthier coping mechanisms, emotional regulation, and more adaptive ways to deal with stress or negative emotions.

  • Challenge Negative Thoughts About Food and Body Image - One of the core issues of bulimia is distorted thinking around food, weight, and self-worth. We’ll work together to change these harmful beliefs and develop a more balanced, positive self-image.

  • Develop Healthier Relationships with Food and Your Body - Recovery involves learning to nourish your body without guilt or shame, and to appreciate it for what it does rather than how it looks.

  • Prevent Relapse - We’ll build relapse prevention strategies so that you feel confident and equipped to maintain your progress even in the face of challenges.

Book here for an experienced, skilled and compassionate psychologist Bondi Junction or Sydney?

A Skilled Depression Therapist Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD

Depression affects each person differently, and it can show up in ways that aren’t always obvious. You might still go to work, smile in front of friends, or get through the day, but inside, there’s a deep struggle. Recognizing that you may need help is a courageous step, and seeking support from a Bondi Junction psychologist can be life-changing.

What to Expect in Our Sessions

Initial Consultation: Starting therapy is the first step toward healing. Here’s what you can expect when you begin treatment for bulimia.

  1. Initial Assessment:
In our first session, we’ll discuss your eating behaviors, emotional triggers, and any underlying psychological issues. This will help me understand your unique situation and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

  2. Developing a Treatment Plan:
Together, we’ll develop a clear, step-by-step treatment plan to address the behaviors and emotions associated with bulimia. This plan may include strategies for food normalization, emotional regulation, and cognitive restructuring.

  3. Ongoing Support:
Throughout therapy, you’ll receive support as you work through difficult emotions, manage your eating behaviors, and build healthier coping strategies. I’ll be with you every step of the way, guiding you toward lasting recovery.

  4. Building Long-Term Skills:
In addition to treating the immediate symptoms, therapy will also equip you with lifelong tools to manage stress, emotions, and triggers that could lead to relapse. We’ll work together to ensure your recovery is sustainable.

Signs You May Be Struggling with Bulimia

Bulimia can manifest in many ways, but here are some common signs to look out for:

Recurrent Episodes of Binge Eating: Eating large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control.

Purging Behaviors: This may include self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas to compensate for overeating.

Preoccupation with Food, Weight, and Body Image: Constant worry or obsession with food, calorie intake, dieting, weight, or body shape.

Extreme Dietary Restriction: Intense calorie counting, avoiding certain foods, or extreme dieting behaviors to maintain a low weight.

Feelings of Shame or Guilt After Eating: Intense feelings of guilt or shame related to eating, leading to compensatory behaviors like purging or extreme dieting.

Mood Swings and Anxiety: Mood instability, irritability, and heightened anxiety, often centered around eating and body image.

Physical Symptoms: These can include fatigue, dizziness, stomach issues, dental erosion, and dehydration, as a result of purging behaviors.

Are You Ready to Start Your Recovery Journey?

You don’t have to face bulimia alone. Therapy is a powerful tool in your recovery, and I’m here to help you every step of the way. Together, we’ll explore the root causes of your bulimia, break unhealthy patterns, and build a foundation for long-term healing.

FAQs

  • Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other, discuss your symptoms, and determine the best course of action for therapy. It’s a space for you to share as much as you’re comfortable with.

  • Healing from depression takes time. Some clients start to notice improvements after a few sessions, while others may need more time. Progress is personal, and we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you.

  • Some Healthfunds cover sessions with psychologist but it depends on your level of cover and Healthfund. I can provide you with a detailed receipt to submit for reimbursement. To claim through medicare you will need a mental health care plan. More details available in the FAQs section.